By Design Review

This review is based on a screening at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. The film, while visually stunning, ultimately falls short of its ambitious narrative goals. The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the stark beauty of the Icelandic landscape with a masterful eye for detail. However, the plot, while intriguing in its premise, feels underdeveloped and meanders at times, losing the audience's attention amidst its philosophical musings. The performances are uneven; while the lead actor delivers a compelling portrayal of internal conflict, the supporting cast struggles to match the intensity. Despite its flaws, the film's visual artistry and moments of genuine emotional resonance make it worth watching, though perhaps more as a visual experience than a tightly plotted narrative.